Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and this Black History Month, we’re highlighting four Black-owned businesses that are making waves in the Upstate with their unique products.

Something else all these businesses have in common? They’ve partnered with Surcee, GVL’s online shopping platform, to bring their products to a wider audience.

Surcee opened its digital doors this past fall with the mission of connecting local businesses with local shoppers (even those who prefer to shop online). If you haven’t figured it out by now, we’re pretty big fans. Shopping with Surcee is super easy — all you have to do is head to their website, then browse local products on the home page, via the Collections tab, or through the Categories option.

Pro tip: All these businesses will be in the Local Black-Owned Business section under the Collections tab.

A Polished Man

The Dopp Kit is made with full grain leather, which means it only gets better with time | Photo provided

What makes any man a polished man? That’s the question that owner Charles Davis, Jr. set out to answer with his business. A Polished Man brings together the very best in stylish accessories for men — guaranteed to impress. We especially like the Dopp Kit for stylish toiletry transport.

Pro tip: If you forgot to get a Valentine’s Day gift for your guy, this is the perfect last-minute save.

A. Smith Clothiers

Patterns include paisley, houndstooth, dots + traditional Glen plaid | Photo provided

Handmade cashmere + silk scarves? Sign us up. A. Smith Clothiers (created by Arthur L. Smith) specializes in luxurious yet modern men’s apparel + accessories — no expense spared. These scarves come in five unique prints, and while they’re intended as an accessory for men, we think they would look pretty chic tied around a handbag or used as a hair scarf for the ladies.

Gifted Hands Artisan Soap

The Chillax bath bomb features lavender essential oil, which promotes relaxation | Photo provided

Javela Singelton, owner + head creative of Gifted Hands Artisan Soap, believes that using handmade body care products can be a powerful act of self-care. She is passionate about creating personal care products with natural ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals.

The His and Her Rose + Cocoa soap | Photo provided

The Aromatherapy Bath Bombs are designed for the very important task of unwinding after a long day, and the rose, sandalwood + cocoa in the soap work wonders for moisturizing + calming the mind and body.

The Cigar Experience

The Five Vegas gift set includes four box-pressed cigars in a mellow-bodied Gold flavor + medium bodied Connecticut Shade flavor | Photo provided

The Cigar Experience is a bonafide Greenville success story. Pete + Yvonne Lee began their business with just a handful of employees, and quickly grew thanks to top-notch cigar products (like this gift box set with four cigars, lighter + cutter) and impeccable customer service. Today, they’re one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry.

Perfect for keeping your cigars nice + humid | Photo provided

Just need a fancy place to store your cigars? They’ve got that too. Their Modena countertop display humidor is made with cherry wood and has angled storage for improved viewing.*

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